Spinach and pasta in a slow cooker is an easy, hearty meal where the Pasta cooks slowly with Spinach, often with a creamy sauce or cheese. 🥬🍝
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 12 oz Pasta
- 4 cups Fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen, thawed)
- 1 can (14 oz) Diced tomatoes (or 1 jar pasta sauce)
- 1 cup Shredded cheese
- 1 cup Vegetable broth
- ½ cup Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and Black pepper to taste
Optional:
- ½ cup Heavy cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess
- Crushed red pepper for spice
Instructions
1. Layer Ingredients
- Add pasta, spinach, diced tomatoes (or sauce), onion, garlic, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
- Pour in vegetable broth. Do not stir yet if pasta is on the bottom.
2. Cook
- Cover and cook on Low for 2–3 hours or High for 1–1.5 hours, until pasta is tender.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
3. Add Cheese
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheese (and cream or cream cheese if using).
- Cover and let melt.
4. Serve
- Check seasoning, adjust salt and pepper, and serve warm.
- Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use short pasta shapes (penne, rotini, shells) that cook evenly in the slow cooker.
- Avoid overcooking the spinach—add it in the last 30 minutes if using fresh leaves.
- For a meat version, add cooked chicken or sausage at the beginning.
✅ Result: Creamy, flavorful, and easy pasta dish packed with greens and perfect for weeknight dinners.
I can also give a 5-ingredient version of spinach pasta in a slow cooker that’s ready in under 90 minutes. Would you like me to do that?
